Chapter Twenty-Three

Trials

"I bid you welcome, Pilgrim." The Guardian said to us the next morning when we entered the sanctum.

The Guardian was much taller that I would have believed from the game. 6'6, if my guess was accurate… his skin was like milk chocolate, his eyes were like glowing Lyrium and he was wearing full armor.

"Who are you?" Aedan asked. I scoffed and Aedan glanced at me. I bowed my head to the man, "I bid you greetings, Guardian."

He bowed his head to me, "You are the first to make it this far in a very long time. It has been my duty, my life, to protect the Urn and prepare for the faithful who come to revere Andraste. For years beyond counting have I been here, and shall I remain until my task is done and the Imperium has crumbled to the sea."

I shook my head, "The Imperium is much smaller these days. Not anywhere near as powerful as it once was."

"Ah… then perhaps my task is beginning to end."

I nodded, "I am mournful that your brethren thought to revere a false Andraste. I have lain them to rest."

He nodded, "I felt your arrival. You have come to honor Andraste, and you shall – if you prove worthy."

"Ask your questions, Guardian – and let us begin." I smiled.

He nodded solemnly and turned first to Alistair, "Alistair; Knight, Warden and future King – you wonder if things would have been different if you were with Duncan on the battlefield. You believe you could have shielded him from the killing blow. You wonder, don't you… if you should have died in his place?"

"I… if you had asked me that before – maybe a few months ago – I would have said yes; that if Duncan had been saved rather than me, everything would have been better. But now, I have to say no. Tara has shown me exactly why it was me and not him – and without her, I would still be doubting… no, the answer is no."

The guardian looked to Shale next, "Shale, there is so little I can draw from you. I feel a distant echo of a soul, dormant for so long, now awake."

Shale snarked, "Good for you."

Aedan coughed and the Guardian gave a faint smile, "And with the awakening, the slow realization of all you lost. Your entire existence is a test to your will and courage. You have my respect." He then turned again to Wynne.

"You are ever the advisor, ready with a word of wisdom. Do you wonder if you spout only platitudes, burned into your mind by the distant past? Perhaps you are only a tool used to spread the word of the Circle and Chantry. Does doubt ever chip away at your truths?"

She looked confused for only a moment before she chuckled and replied, "You frame the statement as a question, yet you already know our answers. There is no sense in hiding it is there? Yes, I do doubt at times. Only a fool is completely certain of themselves."

He nodded and looked at Leli, "And you… why do you say the maker speaks' to you, when all know he has left? He only spoke to Andraste. Do you believe yourself her equal?"

She gave a light giggle, throwing me for a loop. "Tara is the one who is Andrastes' equal. I know I did not make up my vision – and that is all that matters."

"Sten – you came to this land as an observer, but killed an entire family in a blind rage. Have you failed your people by allowing Qunari to be seen in such a light?"

"I have never denied such claims."

"The Antivan elf – many have died at your hand, but there is none you regret more than a woman by the name of…" I cut in, standing in front of Zev and shocking them all, "Either ask a different question or leave him alone. Even I would not ask of her."

The guardian looked startled but nodded and moved on to Morrigan, "Morrigan; Flemeths' daughter. What…?"

She scoffed and waved a dismissive hand, "Be-gone, spirit; I'll not play your games."

He shrugged and looked at Aedan, "Do you feel you failed your parents, leaving them to die?"

"No, my mother all but pushed me out – she stayed to buy me time."

"Then you do not dwell on past mistakes – yours or others."

He looked at Daylen, "You betrayed Jowan to Irving. He was almost killed and he lost the one thing that mattered: Lily. Jowan trusted you… tell me, do you think you failed Jowan?"

Daylen gave me an amused look, "Um… no. Tara all but told me to pick that path, and with it, I've gained so much. If I had helped Jowan, then found out about his blood magic, I'd have felt like shit."

The Guardian looked back at me, slightly puzzled before looking at Sereda, "Bhelens machinations led to Trians death and your exile – do you think you failed Trian?"

She snorted, "Not at all – if Trian couldn't see what Bhelen was doing, that's on him. I may not like that I got dragged into it, but men like Trian and Harrowmont don't need to be getting close to the throne when they'll lead my people to extinction."

He nodded and looked to Lyna, "Tamlen was one of your tribe – a blood-brother and your lover… you left him in the ruins; left him to his fate. Tell me, did you fail Tamlen?"

She sighed and nodded, "Yes. I could have – should have – pulled him away from that mirror."

I whirled around and popped her in the back of the head, "No. Bad girl. No matter what you had done, Tamlen would have touched the mirror. If you had tried to stop him, you would have gotten yanked in like he did."

Roselle nodded, "People will make their own choices; you can't be held responsible for what others do."

The guardian looked at Roselle, "You were given to the chantry; you didn't choose it. You followed here wanting reassurance of your faith. You did not believe that the Maker had chosen a champion, and wished to use this to test her. Do you regret your actions?"

She shook her head, "No. To know beyond a doubt that she is chosen… to see a place long forgotten… it's more than I could have hoped for."

I coughed, "Woah. Be kind and rewind – the maker chose me?"

Roselle looked confused, "You didn't… think he did?"

"Gods no. I'm already marked by 3 deities. Elunes' healing blessing, Cenarius' druidic one, and Akatosh claiming me as a Dragonborn. Not to mention, of course, the blessing of Hircine, the Deadric Prince of the hunt. Oh and Sheogorath, the Deadric Prince of Madness… actually all 17 of the Princes like me for some move I've made or another. As for the 9 Divines… well, more than half, at least. Point is, too many gods have taken a liking to me. It's getting overwhelming to keep track!"

The guardian smiled, "You have always belonged to the maker – first and foremost. You were always destined to be here."

I held up a single finger and waked over to a pillar while everyone stared at me slack-jawed. I slammed my forehead into it, "This is not funny. Please tell this is all some sick joke?"

He shook his head when I looked back at him, "Not at all."

I sighed, "But I'm 10 and a half thousand years old… by my calculations, that's older than Andraste."

Alistair snorted but the guardian nodded, "Time has no place in such things. You were chosen long before Humans ever arrived here."

"Apparently… fine – whatever. I'll be his champion if it will get me into that gauntlet."

"I have one question for you. You surround yourselves with those you call pack though you know they will eventually leave you. What happens then, when some of your pack, fights the others?"

I lifted an eyebrow, "Excuse you, I'm the Alpha here. If any of them has issue, they bring it before me first – I will sort it out."

"And if they do not know that they are all…?"

"Good point… I guess I'll have to make friendship bracelets now."

We all walked through the door and Alistair finally cracked, "Friendship bracelets?"

I giggled, "I will make like 40 bracelets that all look the same and if you see someone wearing one, they are family – you don't get to attack."

Aedan looked amused, "And if someone is killed and these are taken?"

I looked him dead in the eye and smirked, "Enchantment."

Roselle kept staring at me so I sighed, "I'd ask you not to tell the chantry, but that's not going to happen, is it?"

"I must! To think that the Maker has a chosen – one who was raised on different worlds, no less and is a seer!"

I groaned, "Fine – but no one gets to butt into my buissness without my say so… and only the higher echelons of the Chantry can know – I need to be able to move about somewhat freely."

She nodded rapidly.

I noticed the Riddles test was first. I approached the first of the 8 – Brona – and she said, "Echoes from a shadow realm, whispers of things yet to come – Thoughts strange sisters dwell in night, is swept away by dawning light. Of what do I speak?"

"Dreams," I replied.

"A dream came upon me as my daughter slumbered beneath my heart. It told of her life and of her betrayal and death. I am sorrow and regret. I am a mother weeping bitter tears for a daughter she could not save."

I found I was suddenly… exhausted. Did I over-do the fight with the Dragon?

I moved on to the next specter, Shartan who said, "I'd neither a guest nor a trespasser be. In this place I belong, that belongs also to me. Of what do I speak?"

"Home," by now Leliana was watching me in calculating silence. Shartan nodded and said, "It was my dream for the people to have a home of their own, where we would have no masters but ourselves. The enemy of my enemy is my friend – and thus we followed Andraste against the Imperium. But she was betrayed, and so were we."

I longed for a place to call home – I always had…

As Shartan vanished, I moved to the third – Maferath, "A poison of the soul, passion's cruel counterpart; from love she grows, till love lies slain. Of what do I speak?"

"Jealousy," each correct answer caused at least one of my companions to look at me. Possibly it was that I only spoke the answer and nothing more.

"Yes, jealousy drove me to betrayal. I was the greatest general of the Alamarri, but beside her I was nothing. Hundreds fell before her on bended knee. They loved her, as did the Maker. I loved her too, but what man can compare with a god?" and he vanished.

I felt a great bitterness well up in my chest… and realized what was happening. Now I knew why answering riddles could be a trial – I felt each answer. "She wields the broken sword, and separates true kings from tyrants. Of what do I speak?" I sighed, "Mercy."

"Yes. I could not bear the sight of Andraste's suffering, and mercy bade me end her life. I am the penitent sinner, who shows compassion as he hopes compassion will be shown to him."

I felt torn at that. I seemed to feel each answer weigh on my soul – each step I took made me feel more rooted to the spot. I pressed on, approaching Cathaire next. "No man has seen it but all men know it. Lighter than air, sharper than any sword. Comes from nothing but would fell the strongest armies. Of what do I speak?"

"H-hunger." I groaned out. Great – now my gut was in knots and I had three more to go.

"Yes, hunger was the weapon used against the wicked men of the Tevinter Imperium. The Maker kindled the sun's flame, scorching the land. Their crops failed, and their armies could not march. Then He opened the heavens and bade the waters flow, and washed away their filth. I am Cathaire, disciple of Andraste and commander of her armies. I saw these things done, and knew the maker smiled on us." And he vanished. I finally noticed that each time one of them disappeared, one of 8 colored gems would glow on the door.

I moved once more, approaching Havard who asked, "The bones of the world stretch towards the sky's embrace. Veiled in white, like a bride greeting her groom. Of what do I speak?"

"The mountains," and I felt the weight of worlds hoist upon my shoulders. I stumbled and gritted my teeth while Havard responded, "Yes. I carried Andraste's Ashes out of Tevinter into the mountains to the east where she could gaze ever into Her Maker's sky... No more fitting a tomb than this could we find."

I stumbled my way to the 7th 'ghost' while the others watched in various states of worry or confusion.

Vasilia looked me over and said, "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. The debt of blood must be paid in full. Of what do I speak?"

I was hesitant to answer, but I said it anyway, "Vengeance."

I gasped as pure rage filtered into me – I had to hold back the urge to attack something as Vasilia gave a satisfied smirk and said, "Yes. My husband Hessarian would have chosen a quick death for Andraste. I made him swear that she would die publicly with her war-leaders, that all would know the Imperium's strength."

I fell to my knees before the final woman, Ealisay, as she smiled sweetly and asked, "The smallest lark could carry it, while a strong man might not. Of what do I speak?"

I smiled back and said, "A Tune."

I felt the relief of a blowing wind on a summers' day as she giggled and nodded, "Yes. I was Andraste's dearest friend in childhood, and always we would sing. She celebrated the beauty of life, and all who heard her would be filled with joy. They say The Maker himself was moved by Andraste's song, and then she sang no more of simple things."

I waved Alistair away – it wouldn't be a trial if it wasn't difficult – and used a pillar to get to my feet. We all made our way to the next room. To my surprise, the others were staring blankly – likely having their own heart to heart with a 'ghost'. A woman stood before me; she was blonde with grey-blue eyes and remarkable beauty…

"Hello, child."

"Andraste, I take it?"

She smiled, "You've a long path ahead of you." I shrugged and she held out a small ring, it was a thin golden band with a single clear gem. Then… she vanished.

Alistair put his arm around me and just asked, "Who did you see?"

"My… mother? Andraste." I sighed. Roselle looked disappointed that she hadn't been part of that. Honestly, I'd have traded with her in a heartbeat.

"We must now fight our greatest challenge – ourselves." The looks of bewilderment were worth the vague warning as we walked into the next room.

Unlike in the game, we did not fight a group v. group battle. It was one on one with clear barriers separating the fights. The specters were unreachable and unmoving until we all stood on our own little dais.

My fight went the longest – my bitch ass mirror kept shifting or throwing spells. The one who finished first was Shale, then Sten, followed by Aedan, Sereda, Alistair, Lyna, Leli, Daylen, Zev, Morrigan, and Wynne.

The next room required us to stand on the squares in a specific order – not moving, just needing to activate them in the right order… because my wings refused to work. I had chosen to be the test dummy that walked across the bridge – thankfully we got it right on the second try because falling right through seemingly solid floor was nerve wracking.

After the puzzle came the trial of Fire. Without a single word, I began stripping.

"Makers' Breath, what are you doing?" Aedan cried as he turned away. I laughed and read the inscription, "Cast off trappings of worldly life and cloak yourself in the goodness of spirit. King and Slave, Lord and Beggar; be borne again in the Makers' sight."

Roselle was actually the first of them to strip – she had started the minute I'd gotten halfway through the inscription.

I placed all my things into my spacious pack and placed it on the long Alter. Even Morrigan stripped and set her things on the Alter. Only Shale remained as she was. I stepped through the fire without another though and the others followed. The moment we were all through, our things reappeared on a second Alter. We all got dressed once more.

The Guardian stepped through the wall of flame as I slipped on my leather pants and smiled softly at me. Alistair stepped between us since the pants were all I was wearing at that point. I rolled my eyes and said, "Alistair, dear – he's asexual. He's not interested in me." Alistair relaxed and reluctantly moved as I slipped on the Dark Samite tank top before moving to on to leather boots.

"You have been through the Trials of the Gauntlet and walked the path of Andraste; and like her, you have been cleansed. You have all proven yourselves worthy. You may approach the Sacred Ashes." With those final words, he turned and left – back to his post. I called out, "Hey!"

He looked at me and I said, "As of this moment, they are no longer safe. People will come in force to take advantage. Be wary." I knew what those words would do – the Ashes would vanish the minute we stepped outside the temple. He nodded and continued on his way.

We walked up the Dais, to the urn and Shale scoffed, "What an odd thing to do with the honored dead – to store it in a pot. How bizarre."

Morrigan smirked, "I stand in awe – really."

Sten glanced at me, "It looks like a waste bin."

That one I replied to, "The ashes really can heal any illness. And she didn't care for grandeur – which is why the urn looks plain." Sten nodded to that.

Leliana knelt before the urn and whispered, "I never dreamed I would lay my eyes upon it. I… I have no words to… to express…"

I patted her shoulder and Alistair grinned at me, "I said it before and I will say it again – if anyone could have found the Urn of Sacred Ashes, it would be you!" I chuckled and said, "Any of you would have done it just fine without me. But I love your confidence in me."

He kissed my cheek and Wynne spoke, "I could not have asked for a greater honor than to be here – I will never forget this feeling."

Roselle… she just knelt and silently prayed.

I moved Leli with a nudge and Aedan wrapped his arms around her. I gently lifted the lid of the urn and took a single pinch of the ashes and placed them in a tiny vial.

"Thank you, Lady Stormlight… for bringing me along." Roselle finally spoke.

I smirked and we all walked out the side door and I stopped by the remains of the Dragon from yesterday. "Stop."

At my words everyone froze. I pointed to the remains, "I want those bones – I can use them to make those pack bracelets I was talking about."

Sten was the one who began collecting the bones – and he made sure to get every single one.

I knew I would need at least 38 – all companions, dogs and advisors throughout all three games. I wasn't joking when I said I would make 40, however; no one predict how many people I would grow to love and call family – not even me.

Each one would look exactly the same and have an enchantment. The minute I put one on someone's wrist, no one else could use it. If that person died, the bracelet would dissolve to dust and I would fucking know… now to bribe Inas to do the enchanting.

Once the bones were collected I led everyone to the door that had been uncovered during our fight with the Dragon. Before, it had been barricaded by snow and ice. I explained that when Alistair asked me why we didn't take the shortcut in the first place.

We made it all the way back to Genitivi just as night was falling. I had the group set camp and pulled Genitivi aside, "I will not stop you from telling everyone that all this is here – the world does deserve to know that it was found. But something the Guardian of the Ashes said makes me think the Ashes are protected. Only those with sufficient will and mental fortitude will ever pass that gauntlet. We almost didn't."

He nodded and beamed at me. I began the process of carving the bracelets while Wynne took her turn cooking from the leftover dragon meat. Genitivi was gobsmacked when he learned what we were eating. I would work on what was needed only immediately – Aedan, Lyna, Sereda, Daylen, Alistair, Sten, Morrigan, Leliana, Zevran, Wynne, Shale and the two dogs. Seeing as I had been walking and carving, I finished the 10 bracelets, 2 dog collars and a ring for shale by the time Dragon Stew was ready. I ducked into my tent and made a call to Inas.

"What do you want this time?"

"… An Enchantment – I already have the materials. I'll tell you why Elune chose me if you do this."

"… Open the damn portal." He'd wanted to know for millennia why the goddess had marked a non-priest as hers.

I did so, and once he enchanted not only what I'd already made, but the bones I would use to make more, he motioned to me to 'give it up'.

"So… I'm actually a Demi-god that she adopted. Also I'm the Chosen of the Maker of this world."

He looked frozen, "I… was not expecting that. So wait – you've been a demigod this whole damn time? Of what?"

"Shadows."

"Elunes' grace… this makes Cenarius your brother!"

"Uh-huh. Thanks for the Enchantments, bro."

"You expect me to leave now?"

"Well… you have a pregnant wife at home who likely needs something."

He sighed, "You're right… but this isn't over – we will be talking more later."

"Of course, Inas. Bye."

I left my tent and cleared my throat. "Lords and Ladies – Misfits and ne'er-do-wells – I present to each of you a token – a memorabilia to show you are my family. These bracelets are hand crafted by yours truly and are made in such a way that if you place them close to each other you will know for sure that the other person is an ally. So, hold out your wrists and I will place these on you!"

Alistair gave me a cheeky grin and held out his left arm. I giggled – he did that because of the whole marriage ring thing that I had told him about. He'd wanted more details so I had told him. As soon as the clasps snicked into place, the magic bound to him. I could see that he felt it too. Once everyone but Genitivi and Roselle were collared or shackled – I mean… no, I meant that – Morrigan spoke, "'Tis pretty enough, I suppose. And you say we will know if another wearer is legitimate just by holding them close to each other?" I nodded and held mine close to hers.

"Oh! That is… an interesting feeling. I suppose it is the Dragon bone?"

Sten spoke, "Ataashi are said to have remarkable properties in all aspects. It is not a stretch to find that such a thing is possible."

"No – I bribed Inas to enchant them. I only had to tell him that I am a Demigod and the deal was done."

"That's it? Just a bit of information?" Morrigan asked. I grinned with a shrug.

I nodded and grabbed Alistairs' hand; "Are you ready for bed, my love?" he beamed at me and nodded.

Genitivi looked confused, "You two are… wed?" his voice was hesitant as though he didn't want to assume but didn't want to see two unwed people sharing a tent. I chuckled, "Not at all – I'm promised to someone else and he has to be king… we're just making the most of our time together before we part ways when the blight is over."

He glanced at Roselle, who shrugged, "It's on them."

I smiled and dragged Alistair to our tent. "I… I hope you don't mind, love… but…" he began and I snorted, "Don't worry about that – focus on recovering. You're not the only one who's not feeling up to love-making."

He looked relieved and smiled at me. He gave me a sweet kiss before tucking me into his side and just… holding me. His breathing evened out long before mine did.